AMBITIOUS £8 million plans to transform Southend’s theatre received the rousing support of Southend councillors as the plans were given the green light.

Rejuvenation plans are now free to begin at the Cliffs Pavilion, including an expansion of the current restaurant, catering for 158 guests compared to a previous 100.

A modern, brighter, more welcoming entrance and lobby and a stunning new outdoor plaza are also planned, in addition to improvement work to the bar, toilets, and lifts.

It is hoped that the work will secure the theatre’s future as one of the premium theatres in the east and councillors were quick to highlight the benefits at yesterday’s development control committee meeting.

Martin Berry, Labour councillor for St Luke’s ward, said: “I like it and can’t imagine anybody is going to object to any aspect of it. Big improvements and much needed improvements and I particularly like proposal for the outside area to the east. I like the idea of the planting, pot plants and troughs.”

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor, for Leigh Ward, said: “The Cliffs is a fabulous venue. It’s regional. It’s incredibly important.

It has been out to consultation and if I remember rightly there were 100 people consulted and only one response and that was in support which is very rare especially in a development of this size and it has got the backing of government.

”It’s important not only for the region but the city itself that we have a premier theatre that people want to go to on a regular basis.”

Steve Buckley, Conservative councillor for St Laurence Ward, added: “The entrance foyer will be more customer-friendly and welcoming.

All in all, I think these proposals will be appreciated by visitors and will also secure the reputation of the Cliffs Pavilion as an important tourist attraction.”

There are no plans to change the auditorium or back of house, allowing the theatre to remain open during the work.

Roughly £5.5 million of the project is being funded through round one of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government in October 2021, with additional investment from the council and Trafalgar Entertainment, which operates the theatre.